Ivanishvili to shield US-sanctioned ex-Prosecutor General Partskhaladze amid high-profile murder investigation, UNM’s Khabeishvili

Levan Khabeishvili, chairman of the United National Movement’s political council, on Wednesday claimed  Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, was orchestrating a “formal” legal case against US-sanctioned  ex-Prosecutor General Otar Partskhaladze to satisfy Russian interests, while preparing to sacrifice other, former high-ranking law enforcement officials to shield his associates.

In his social media post, Khabeishvili suggested that Ivanishvili was negotiating with Russian authorities to formally pursue charges against Partskhaladze in connection with the 2024 killing of businessman Levan Jangveladze in Tbilisi.

The opposition politician further claimed the case against Partskhaladze was largely symbolic and would not lead to actual accountability. He wrote that “the production will be formal, and, of course, no one will hand over Romanov,” referring to a figure linked to the case. Khabeishvili added that the move was intended to send a message to the public that Ivanishvili was pursuing justice, while simultaneously preparing to "sacrifice" Grigol Liluashvili, former head of the State Security Service, and Vakhtang Gomelauri, former Interior Minister. 

“Clearly, he cannot act without his patrons and is waiting for approval,” Khabeishvili wrote, claiming that Ivanishvili “seeks to deflect responsibility while keeping his inner circle insulated.” He alleged the former high-level officials connected to the case would face consequences to maintain the appearance of accountability.

Partskhaladze, who briefly served as Chief Prosecutor in 2013, has long been viewed as a close associate of Ivanishvili. In 2023, the US imposed sanctions on him, citing his alleged involvement in facilitating Russian influence within the country.

Jangveladze, the brother of crime boss Merab Jangveladze, was shot dead on central Chavchavadze Avenue in March 2024. Prosecutors alleged that brothers David and Giorgi Mikadze orchestrated the killing due to a business dispute and personal animosity. Media reports suggested the Mikadze brothers were associates of Partskhaladze.